Duration:Established in 2006, MFF is currently in its third phase (2015 - 2018).

Project Background: The devastation caused by the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004 laid bare the vital link between coastal ecosystems and human livelihoods. It was United States President Bill Clinton’s vision that rebuilding in tsunami-hit areas should improve natural infrastructure and strengthen resilience against future natural disasters. In response to this vision, IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) developed Mangroves for the Future in 2006. Since then, MFF has grown to include eight institutional partners, plus a growing number of countries. At the launch of the Tsunami Legacy report* at the United Nations in New York in April 2009, Bill Clinton acclaimed MFF as one of the most positive and forward-looking developments of the post-tsunami period.

Mangroves for the Future (MFF) is a unique partner-led initiative to promote investment in coastal ecosystem conservation for sustainable development. Co-chaired by IUCN and UNDP, MFF provides a platform for collaboration among the many different agencies, sectors and countries which are addressing challenges to coastal ecosystem and livelihood issues. The goal is to promote an integrated ocean-wide approach to coastal management and to building the resilience of ecosystem-dependent coastal communities.

Mangroves are the flagship of the initiative, but MFF is inclusive of all types of coastal ecosystem, such as coral reefs, estuaries, lagoons, sandy beaches, seagrass and wetlands.

Objectives: To achieve its goal of conservation, restoration and sustainable management of coastal ecosystems as key natural infrastructure which support human well-being and security, MFF implements actions guided by three main objectives.

Improve, share and apply knowledge to support the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of coastal ecosystems.

Enhance coastal governance at all levels (regional, national, provincial, district and community) to encourage integrated management programmes and investments that are ecologically and socio-economically sound, and promote human well-being and security.